Your Turn — Oct. 24. 2012

:
October 23, 2012
: Updated: October 23, 2012 4:01pm

On the decision of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott to intervene in a lawsuit to allow Kountze High School cheerleaders to display “biblical banners,” a reader says people should not impose their religious views in government-funded venues.

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Re: “Bible-quoting cheerleaders have the state on their team,” Front Page, Oct. 18:

As a great many politicians are woefully ignorant of science, it seems reasonable to infer that they are woefully ignorant of our history as well. Our constitution does not contain the word God, and at the time of its adoption it was opposed by some who referred to it as “godless.” These were often members of establishment churches who used political power to persecute and to discriminate against those who were members of minority religions, including Baptists.

Also, the Treaty of Tripoli (in 1796) states clearly that this nation was not in any sense founded on Christian religions. Many people here were fully aware of the centuries of persecution and bloody conflict over religion and wished to avoid it.

Yet, some Christians keep trying to impose their religious views on others in government venues where they do not belong. Jesus recognized the difference between spiritual and secular spheres when he said, “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's.” He also said to pray in private, not in public.

The cheerleaders are young, and I've learned not to expect good sense from Perry. But you, Mr. Abbot, can we not expect the Attorney General of Texas to uphold the law?

October is a very pleasant month in Texas. It appears that it is also very special for being Hispanic Heritage Month and Czech Heritage Month. I would like to add another group — Freethinkers. October is “Freethought Month.”

The reason it is of significance to freethinkers and to the American court system is because on Oct. 12, 1862, Gov. William Phips of Massachusetts brought to an end the notorious Salem witch trials, signing an edict stating that no spectral evidence would henceforth be admissible in court. The effect of this was to require that evidence be observable by the ordinary senses, measurable and hence replicable.

Public recognition of sanity in the courts is something every citizen, freethinker or not, should embrace with enthusiasm.

Here's an idea. Let's eliminate the words “Democrat” and “Republican” from politics. Make them as unpopular as the “n” word and in their stead establish “independent” as the only legal political platform. Those wanting to be considered for a political appointment would be required to outline the programs they would support if elected. The public would then vote on the outlined agenda.

At present, both major parties are polarized because they disagree what steps should be taken to improve our sagging economy. They also do not want to give up their excellent paying jobs and outstanding benefits nor the political power they wield while in office.

By eliminating these words, we rid ourselves of partisan politics that does nothing for the greater good of this country. It would help eliminate political action committees that funnel huge dollar amounts into both parties. It would also help rid us of those with an exaggerated sense of self-importance, those who feign high principles but behave otherwise, and the pathetic liars who attempt to sell one platform while secretly supporting a different one.

We need a united Congress. Could this ever occur? Of course not, unless one lives in a parallel universe. In any case, vote in the upcoming elections, because it's the right thing to do.

I recently visited San Antonio for the first time, and I had an amazing time. While there I lost my ID tag. Someone found it, the custodians of the Alamo called my emergency contact number to get my address, and they mailed it back to me.

I have worked with young children for over 20 (wonderful) years now! As a Texas certified teacher with a master of science degree in education, I have worked with so many special children — some who have attended high quality, full-day pre-kindergarten programs and some who have not.

I have seen ample evidence to see that children who attend high quality pre-kindergarten programs are much more successful in kindergarten and beyond. These students tend to demonstrate higher test scores, require less special-education support, graduate from high school in significantly higher numbers and are more likely to attend college.

I believe Mayor Castro's Pre-K 4 SA initiative can significantly benefit the children of San Antonio. In light of this, my colleagues, alongside San Antonio's business leaders, are championing Pre-K 4 SA. They recognize that this will help prepare today's children to enter tomorrow's workforce.

A program which employs master teachers, provides professional development city-wide, builds in meaningful engagement by parents, and which is held to a high standard of accountability measures, is a program which will also enable our children to experience success in school and, later on, in the workforce.

All of this can be achieved without burdening San Antonio families. The 1/8 cent sales tax will cost the median San Antonio family only $7.81 per year. I can't think of a more wonderful gift to provide to the youngest members of our community and to the entire San Antonio community!

Thank you, Dell Biering, for your comments. When Mitch McConnell put his political agenda ahead of the needs of the United States of America, and the GOP followed suit, they lost any hope of my vote. At that time, we needed them to come together for the sake of our country and they have not done that once since. If Mitt Romney is voted into the White House, then he deserves the same fate. Hopefully the Dems will have more sense and class than that and work with Republicans to help fix America.